Rhode Island photograph collection

The Rhode Island Photograph Collection is a collection of photographs that document the landscape and life of Rhode Islanders across the state from the mid 19th century through the 20th century. The collection grew over time as the Providence Public Library had photographs donated to them from a variety of donors. There are an estimated 6,000 plus images in this collection.
This collection is part of Providence Public Library Digital Collections, hosted by Providence Public Library.

Items in this collection

Providence City Hall

Providence City Hall

Providence Public Library

Image shows the Providence City Hall. The 1871 Soldiers and Sailors Monument is in front of city hall. The Dorrance hotel is partially visible on the right of photograph.

Providence at Newport Dock

Providence at Newport Dock

Providence Public Library

Image shows three children sitting on the edge of a wharf looking towards Newport Harbor. The SS Providence is docked at Newport Harbor in background.

Providence at Newport Dock

Providence at Newport Dock

Providence Public Library

Image shows three children sitting on the edge of a wharf looking towards Newport Harbor. The SS Providence is docked at Newport Harbor in background.

Providence Art Club

Providence Art Club

Providence Public Library

The Providence Art Club flanked by buildings on an inclined street.

Providence Arcade

Providence Arcade

Providence Public Library

View of the Providence Arcade, designed by Russell Warren, from Weybosset Street. Several people are posing outside of the building.

Providence (Liner)

Providence (Liner)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence in Newport Harbor. Sailboats are moored in the harbor in foreground.

Providence -- Views

Providence -- Views

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of Providence. City Hall, Industrial Trust Building and Exchange Place are in center. State House in background left.

Providence -- Views

Providence -- Views

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of State House and grounds. Woonasquatucket River is in foreground,State House is in background center.

Providence

Providence

Providence Public Library

Image shows the SS Providence in Newport Harbor. A houseboats is moored in harbor in foreground.

Prospect Terrace

Prospect Terrace

Providence Public Library

A woman taking a photograph from Prospect Terrace, next to a man with his hand on her shoulder. The two people overlook downtown Providence, and a statue of Roger Williams is seen in the background.

Progress (Bark)

Progress (Bark)

Providence Public Library

Image shows the whaler "Progress" moored with a banner advertising it as an "Arctic whaling museum."

Prize Tuna at Galilee

Prize Tuna at Galilee

Providence Public Library

A group of men posing with a large tuna hanging by the tail on a boat at the Rhode Island Tuna Tournament.

Priscilla, Fall River Line

Priscilla, Fall River Line

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the grand saloon of the SS Priscilla. The room has decorative columns, ceilings, chandeliers, moldings, and carpets. A grand staircase is in the back of the room.

Priscilla - Dining Room

Priscilla - Dining Room

Providence Public Library

Interior view of the Dining Room of the SS Priscilla. Tables in dining room are set for dinner service. The room has decorative columns, ceilings, moldings, carpets and wallpaper.

Presto, Newport

Presto, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows a sailboat, the "Presto" in water near Newport, RI. A man is visible sitting at the bow of the sailboat.

President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower boarding ship

View from a ship toward a pier, showing President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower walking on a gangway onto the ship. People in Navy uniforms of various ranks are seen on the ship, gangway, and on the dock, as well as spectators in the background.

Preparing vehicle for race

Preparing vehicle for race

Providence Public Library

View of a boy in a helmet lubricating the wheels of his soap box derby car. Other tools are seen behind him.

Preparing for a parade of Kentish Guards

Members of the Kentish Guard standing in uniform and holding flags in front of a house. Facing them are several young people in costume, in preparation for a parade.

Preparing for a boat race

Preparing for a boat race

Providence Public Library

View from a dock of a young man in a racing rowboat. Another person is seen on the dock next to the boat.

Potowomut Beach

Potowomut Beach

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of people on the beach and in the ocean. Rows of cars are parked behind the beach, and small houses and fields are seen in the background. Potowomut Beach is now known as Sandy Point Beach.

Potowomut

Potowomut

Providence Public Library

Aerial view of people spread out across a sandy beach and in the water. A parking lot and small houses are seen behind the beach.

Poster for the Venture

Poster for the Venture

Providence Public Library

Photograph of a poster advertising the Venture Brighton & London coach line.

Postal Telegraph, Newport

Postal Telegraph, Newport

Providence Public Library

Image shows five delivery boys with bicycles and three shop workers posing in front of the Postal Telegraph and Cable Office. The photographers, onlookers, and a trolley are visible in reflection of shop window.

Possibly Olneyville Square

Possibly Olneyville Square

Providence Public Library

Street view down a hill toward people, carriages, and buildings, seen through an underpass.